The Executioners are a Space Marine chapter descended from the Imperial Fists, known for brutal close-quarters fighting and for backing the losing side in the Badab War. They’re a useful case study in how the Imperium handles a chapter that turns against it, and still lives to fight another day.
Who they are
The Executioners trace their lineage to the Imperial Fists, and chapter legend says they were founded and led by Fafnir Rann, one of Rogal Dorn’s most vicious captains. Their own chronicles claim they were created specifically to hunt down and slaughter the enemies of Mankind.
Their homeworld is Stygia-Aquilon, with a fortress-monastery called Darkenvault. They wear silver power armour with yellow shoulder insets. Their specialty is close-range firefights and hand-to-hand combat.
Sources differ on their founding. Lexicanum notes the 3rd Founding is unconfirmed and only appears in the chapter’s own chronicles, so treat that detail with a bit of caution.
The Badab War and the debt to the Astral Claws
Late in the 39th Millennium, the Executioners’ twin homeworlds came under siege by a xenoform they’d never faced before. The invaders pushed all the way into Darkenvault, and the chapter was on the brink of extinction until the Astral Claws arrived with support from Battlefleet Tempestus. The xenos were driven off, but the Astral Claws paid a heavy price in lives.
The surviving Executioners swore to repay that debt if the Astral Claws ever faced a similar threat. That promise came due in the Badab War, when they sided with Lugft Huron’s rebels.
Even as allies, the Executioners kept their distance. They refused to garrison troops, claim territory, or attack non-military targets, and they seemed to hold their rebel allies in contempt. Their reputation for ferocity grew anyway.
After the war, they were granted the Emperor’s forgiveness. It’s a rare outcome for a chapter that fought against the Imperium, and it says a lot about how valuable their fighting strength was seen to be.
Notable campaigns and characters
The Executioners fought in the Invasion of Nova Sulis during the Plague of Unbelief, where their brutality was on full display. During the War of the Beast, they helped defend Terra alongside the Crimson Fists while Lord Commander Koorland led an invasion of Ullanor.
Their current Chapter Master is Arkash Hakkon. Other named members include Fafnir Rann, Thulsa Kane, Acas Seneca, Katar Garrix, Vanir Hex, Belloch, Khalil, Targas, Tranikar, Vorkogun, and Xuthol.
- Fafnir Rann: legendary founder figure, said to be one of Dorn’s most ruthless captains
- Arkash Hakkon: current Chapter Master
- Thulsa Kane: named Executioner character
- Acas Seneca: named Executioner character
Known descendants
The Executioners have a few recorded successor chapters. The Iron Champions are confirmed descendants. The Crimson Axes are listed as lost around 092.M39. The Skull Bearers are sometimes mentioned as descendants, but that link is unproved.
Key facts
- The Executioners are an Imperial Fists successor chapter.
- Their homeworld is Stygia-Aquilon; their fortress-monastery is Darkenvault.
- They wear silver armour with yellow shoulder insets.
- They specialize in close-range firefights and hand-to-hand combat.
- They sided with the rebels in the Badab War but were later forgiven by the Emperor.
- Their current Chapter Master is Arkash Hakkon.
FAQ
Who are the Executioners’ primarch?
They’re descended from the Imperial Fists, so their gene-father is Rogal Dorn. Their chapter chronicles say Fafnir Rann, one of Dorn’s captains, founded and led them.
Why did the Executioners side with the Astral Claws in the Badab War?
They owed the Astral Claws a life debt. Late in the 39th Millennium, the Astral Claws broke a xenos siege of the Executioners’ homeworlds at great cost, and the Executioners swore to repay that aid if the situation ever reversed.
What happened to the Executioners after the Badab War?
They were granted the Emperor’s forgiveness. That’s unusual for a chapter that fought against the Imperium, but their combat record and the nature of the debt they were repaying likely played a part.